beyond these walls

“I thought so too,” Alicia smiled and nodded. “Oh I’ll be okay, I just realized she is growing up. She is five so I still have a little time before full blown panic sets in.”

“That’s true, I suppose it’s easier to appreciate her right now before you have to worry about most things when she grows into a teenager. What’s her name?”

text to ( ANDER J. )   →  morning, flash

text to ( ANDER J. )   →  you were supposed to be here 5 minutes ago

                            ‘ mm, nah, i think this place is more about herding all of us into one place. ’ the words sound offhand, easy, a smirk unwavering, but it’s a thought that’s been considered in the past. that the collective promise of pandemonium also carried the concern of turning them all to EASY TARGETS, too distracted with remaining at each other’s throats to notice surface threats. ‘ keepin’ us all together. keepin’ us at arm’s length. ’ brows furrow as they SCRUTINIZE the other, new adopted senses inundating them with information they were too ( unfamiliar ) with to decipher with any veracity– so their tone stains curious as they continue. ‘ not so much of a worry for you, though, hm? y’ seem a bit human. ’

Eunbi continued to raise her eyes, nodding slowly at their words. Interesting. Of course, the thought had occurred to her before, but she wanted to believe that it wouldn’t turn into that. “That’s one way of looking at it,” she returned lightly, looking down briefly before returning their gaze. She had hope for humanity, it was the reason she was even on this land, but she wasn’t naive enough to not realize what could lie beyond that. The brunette noticed the curious way they looked at her, but she decided not to think about it too much. A low chuckle escaped her lips,  “A bit- That’s one way you can put it I guess. I think anyone who chooses to stay here shares that worry.”

“The sea? Kind of far away aint it? Or you like a mermaid or something?”

“It is, but I just miss it,” she chuckled and shook her head, “I could only wish to be- to have been something that pretty. I used to admire them from afar.”

December inclined her head “Alright, then we’re cool.” She mused as she turned away from the other girl, whom she actually didn’t mind as much as others, and crossed her arms over her chest. “Guess you don’t have a cigarette, do you?” She inquired through a grumble.

“Cool,” she echoed with a soft breath and looked down at her shoes. The cold didn’t bother her, she was keeping herself warm anyways. Bee shook her head lightly, “I’m afraid not, sorry.”

“Sorry…” He apologized, realizing he’d probably just been rude to the girl for no reason. “Thinkin’ what?”

“It’s fine,” she looked at him and shrug, a ghost of a smile lighting her features, “Everything and anything- mostly the sea.”

                                 ‘  it’s practically welded to my face , so … i’d say it’s a package deal .   ’     besides , wearing such a thing was far easier than hours in front of a mirror with make - up . or buying glamours . far less interaction . as hand was extended , jakub stuttered in movement for a moment before recalling – it was a greeting . own set of digits extended and curled for a firm shake ,     ‘  eunbi . good to meet you . i’m jakub . uh … jakub carlebach .   ’

“Ah, really? That’s interesting,” she noted, barely missing a beat, “I suppose everyone’s got their reasons to be here - as I do.” The last sentence was really more of thought being said out loud, her tone a little wispy, but she didn’t questio them any further. “Well, it’s nice to meet you Jakub,” she gingerly pulled her hand away, “How long do plan to be around these parts?”

                                  ‘   mask give it away ??   ’    automatic response , humour trickling breifly through otherwise monotone voice . evident lack of hostility from the other’s body language had him , in turn , relaxed … and her agreement had him shifting into a far more calm disposition .      ‘  yes . are you local ??   ’

“Oh yes, of course, the mask,” she managed a low chuckle as she tucked her chin-length hair behind her ear, “I was thinking more of the fact that I’ve never seen you but the mask does come with it.” Bee knew most- if not all of the people in town, even if they didn't know her. She was an observer, after all. “As local as you can get around here, I suppose,” she held out her hand out for a shake, “I’m Eunbi. Eunbi Kim.”

December stayed quiet for a good long moment before turning to face the other “We aren’t friends. Do you understand that?”

Eunbi held up her hands, the predicament seemingly not fazing her. “I fully understand that,” she lifted up her shoulders briefly. In reality, those words did harbor some sadness, but she couldn’t say she didn’t see it coming.

December looked at the girl, remembering the Mike’s Hard conversation they had in the past and kicking herself for being evenly mildly nice to someone. Now this girl thought they were friends or that December was some sort of project. She huffed a sigh “Well, I won’t need it. I can save myself.”

“I’m well aware of that,” Bee said in return with a subtle shrug, patting down her bangs, “Again, just offering help.” She offered a small smile in return.